Explosion at Turkish Explosives Factory in Balıkesir Kills 11, Injures 4

Dec 24, 2024, 08:55 AM

An explosion at an explosives factory operated by ZSR Patlayıcı Sanayi in the Kavaklı village of Karesi district, Balıkesir province, northwest Turkey, has killed 11 people and injured four others. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that the explosion occurred at approximately 8:25 a.m. local time in the capsule production section of the factory. The victims include eight women and three men working on the production line. The explosion caused a collapse of the building housing the capsule production. Authorities have ruled out sabotage, and an investigation has been launched to determine the cause. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences, stating that he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and ordered an immediate investigation. Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç announced that a chief prosecutor and four prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident.